Fincantieri has signed an agreement for the
acquisition of a minority stake with a capital injection in Camper & Nicholsons
International (Camper & Nicholsons), a yacht brokerage, charter and management
company, operating worldwide. The agreement includes the possibility for
Fincantieri to increase subsequently its share capital in Camper & Nicholsons.
According to Fincantieri, the investment consolidates the presence of both
companies in the larger yacht segment and confirms the shipbuilder’s strategic
interest in an area in which it has devoted substantial resources and achieved
significant results since creation of the group’s specialty division,
Fincantieri Yachts.
Drawing on Fincantieri’s 230 years of expertise in shipbuilding, it stated that
its yacht division offers unparalleled levels of design, styling and quality in
the build of mega-yachts.
Fincantieri and Camper & Nicholsons have already built of two mega-yachts
together, the 134-meter Serene and the 140-meter Ocean Victory. Delivered in
2011 and 2014 respectively, the Serene and Ocean Victory are described as being
among the most innovative and technologically advanced mega-yachts ever built.
With the investment in Camper & Nicholsons, Fincantieri said it aims to
strengthen its leadership in this new build sector.
Fincantieri’s CEO, Giuseppe Bono, commented: “Acquiring a stake in a company of
Camper & Nicholson caliber has a significant strategic value. From today we are
among the first shipbuilders to directly oversee the promising mega-yachts
market segment. Our presence will cover the entire range of activities typical
for this business, from sales and marketing to life cycle management of these
very special units. This partnership will allow us to extend our skills and
therefore to further strengthen our role in a segment which guarantees
attractive margins”.
Gualtiero Giori, Executive Chairman of Camper & Nicholsons International, added:
“In only nine months of ownership, we went on to acquire the Camper & Nicholsons
brand and are now delighted to welcome such a strong investment partner, as
Fincantieri. Both companies share similarly long and proud histories yet remain
leaders in our respective sectors today. We look forward to their support in
taking Camper & Nicholsons to even greater heights of success in the years to
come”. |